What were you like as a teen?

When I was a teen I tried to cover up all my insecurities by presenting a strong face to the world. I was really big into sports, especially field hockey and soccer (I actually played on boys’ soccer team one year until the school added a girls’ team.) I also loved school (yep, I’m a bona fide nerd and proud of it).

What were your favorite books as a kid?

I couldn’t get enough of Christopher Pike and RL Stine as a teen. Those two authors totally taught me how to speed read because I’d stay up super late reading and refused to go to bed until I knew how the book ended!

If you had one wish what would you wish for?

Wow— tough question. I think I’d wish that everyone could live a life of enjoyment. I’d wish people didn’t have to struggle and stress but could instead revel in love and adventure.

What musicians have influenced your writing?

Different songs influence different books. When I’m brainstorming I listen to everything from The Arcade Fire to Death Cab for Cutie to Radiohead to songs from video games (right now I’m really loving Deadman’s Gun from Red Dead Redemption).

What are you looking forward to about YALLFest?

First of all being born and raised in South Carolina I’m excited to head to Charleston for the weekend — it’s such a great city! Second, I’m excited to meet so many authors that I admire and third I LOVE chatting with readers and reveling in our mutual love of books!!

What is your favorite kind of pie?

The kind with ice cream on top 🙂